Women - Hunterdon County, New Jersey

ANNE COWLES HERR
Born in 1893, Anne Cowles was a fortunate woman
for her era -- she was a college graduate!
Upon graduation from Michigan State in 1915, Anne
Cowles became an “extension specialist” and found
herself traveling the state as teacher, leader, and speaker
for girls' clubs.
She moved to New York City where she took
graduate courses at Columbia University and worked for
a community club organization, and then moved to
Springfield, MA, to work for the Junior Achievement
Bureau of the Eastern States Exporters, a boys' club/girls'
club organization demonstrating industrial products.
About five years after her graduation, she reported to
the American Red Cross in Washington, DC. Her
assignment was to improve local Red Cross
Administration in Virginia and West Virginia. Later she was assigned to the Junior Red
Cross.
In mid-1922 she arrived in Manila to work with the Philippine Red Cross, which
involved some travel around the Orient. She also assisted in relief for the great Tokyo
earthquake of that period.
Marriage to Ryman Herr in 1925 ended her paid career in the American Red Cross.
As the mother of two sons and wife of a prominent lawyer, she would use her vast
talents for volunteer work.
Continuing her interest in Red Cross work, Mrs. Herr helped to found the Hunterdon
County Chapter. For twelve years she served as president, including the World War II
period.
In the 1930's she was president of the Hunterdon County Symphony Orchestra
Association.
As a trustee of the Flemington Public Library she served 35 years, 24 of which she
was president.
Along with all of these duties, she also volunteered as a “Gray Lady” for the
Hunterdon Medical Center.
Ann Cowles Herr died in 1970. A life well lived!
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